Kutak Rock recently represented Cox Oil Company, Inc. (“Cox Oil”), a gasoline and convenience store company, and affiliated entities in their asset sale to Tri Star Energy, LLC (“Tri Star Energy”), a convenience retailer and fuel supplier in the South, and certain other companies. The transaction closed on April 19, 2023.

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Union City, Tennessee, Cox Oil has been deeply involved in the fresh foodservice concept with a particular focus on its Clucker’s Tennessee Fried Chicken program. The family-owned business operated 54 stores in Tennessee and Kentucky under the Little General Convenience Stores and Maverick Quick Shop Brands. Of these 54 convenience stores, 52 were company-operated and two were dealer-operated.

Founded in 2000, Nashville, Tennessee-based Tri Star Energy owns and operates Twice Daily, Sudden Service and Southern Traders convenience stores and supplies fuel to wholesale trade channels in 17 states. 

Partners Pierce Hunter, Nick Arnold, Chase Waters, Joseph Fuller, Barry Steinberg, and Mark Nethers and associate Chris Musteen advised Cox Oil on the transaction. 

With more than 45 attorneys, Kutak Rock’s national M&A practice group has built its reputation as a leader in middle-market M&A transactions. The group’s experience includes representing buyers, sellers, and private equity groups in domestic and cross-border transactions. Kutak Rock is recognized as one of only 32 law firms trusted most for M&A by The BTI M&A Outlook 2022 report, which is based on extensive client feedback.